OPINION -> SUPERB

Recommended Stay -> 3 or 4 nights

Superbly isolated right in the heart of the Ruaha National Park lies Jongomero camp on the banks of a seasonal sand river which bears the same name. Blending in beautifully with its surroundings the camp is tucked away among some shady riverine vegetation not far from permanent water therefore attracting a large amount of animals into the camp area.

Being the only camp situated in this area of the park ensures unmatched privacy and a true wilderness experience. The camp itself is not fenced and animals are free to pass through as they please. Elephants are daily and nightly visitors to the camp, vast herds of buffalo come within close proximity to the camp itself. Lion occasionally pass through and once every so often the tracks of a leopard can be seen winding down the main pathway as they make their way through the camp. The tents are perfectly secure and guests are frequently subjected to the wonderful feeling of huddling in a tent silently, trying to guess the identity of the enormous pachyderm which may wander by in the continuous quest for herbage.

Accommodation at Jongomero comprises eight large and well-appointed tented suites, all built on raised wooden platforms and under enormous thatched roofs that also encompass a spacious private veranda. All tents are spread out, situated on the edge of the sand river which is often used by a multitude of different animals to make their way to the river system for water. The dining and living areas are both original and very comfortable offering a great vantage to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush that surrounds the camp, as does the natural 'hippo friendly' swimming pool for those hot days.

Highlights

The activity options available at Jongomero are as diverse as the park itself. Aside from the normal game drives available in all parks, there are plenty of other exiting things to do. The normal game drives go out twice per day, in the morning and afternoon. All game drives are driven by qualified guides in an open 4X4 landrover with a canopy for shade and no more than six guests per vehicle. Game drive is the best way to get up close and personal with some of Africa's mightiest animals and to see some of the parks superb scenery.

Jongomero aims to show off the full variety of scenery, flora, fauna, and the different wildlife they support that make Ruaha so diverse and interesting. From open plains to thick inhospitable bush, from the tranquil river scenes to great herds of buffaloes enveloped in clouds of dust as they make their way through the acacia woodlands, Ruaha never disappoints. For the specialist there are afternoon specialist bird and photography drives on offer, as Ruaha is one of the great birding paradises of Africa (equipment and guides permitting).

Overview

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Fact File

Jongomero is a classic luxury tented camp set in the Southern most expanse of the Ruaha National Park. Located on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero River, the 8-tent camp ensures a sense of intimacy in a truly undiscovered wilderness.

The setting

Set along the banks of the seasonal Jongomero river, in Ruaha National Park, southern Tanzania.

Lounge and Dining

Public area is beautifully located in the deep shade of an ancient African ebony tree with uninterrupted views of the Jongomero River bed. Dining is an adventure: a combination of table d’hote, elegant buffets, al fresco dinners under the stars, campfire cooking and classic safari picnics. International cuisine with a truly East African flavor.

Wildlife

Ruaha covers a unique transition zone- a meeting of Eastern and Southern African species of flora and Fauna. In addition to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and most of the common antelope, predators including elusive wild dogs, some of the rarer antelopes such as Sable and Roan, as well as greater and lesser kudu occur.

Birding

Birding in Ruaha is unparalleled, with some 530 species recorded.

The season

June to October: Dry and warm days with temperatures cooling down considerably at night. Vegetation becomes sparser and animals are drawn to dwindling water sources. Nights can be cold

November – mid March: Hotter and greener. Nights still cool. This is the season for bird and plant lovers and is the main reproductive time of year so a good time for seeing young. There’s a chance of rain, flowers are in abundance and deciduous

Getting there

Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam as well as Arusha, with airstrip just 10 min from the camp

Transfers included between Jongomero airstrip and camp

Payment

Cash: Dollars, Euro’s, Pounds Sterling and T-shillings (Not accepted are Dollar notes from before the year 2000)